New Mexico concealed-carry permits honored in nearby states, but not all states

LAS CRUCES - Coralie Carrier, an instructor with Southwestern Academy of Firearms Education, left, watches the gun-handling technique used by April Cano-Medina recently during a concealed-carry class at the American Legion Joe Quesenberry Post 10. Cano-Medina said she is taking the course for numerous reasons, but first and foremost to protect her and her son. To give me some piece of mind, she said.

If you are one of the rapidly increasing number of Doña Ana County residents with a concealed-carry permit and want to pack your pistol for a road trip, it's important to know how the law differs in other states.

If you're staying close to home, you won't see much change.

According to a July report released by the United States Government Accountability Office, all five bordering states honor New Mexico concealed-carry permits.

Beyond that, all of them are, like New Mexico and most other states, shall-issue jurisdictions. That means people that apply for a concealed-carry permit and meet the qualifications will be issued the license.

Among the bordering states, the most unique is Arizona, but it doesn't have a tangible effect on New Mexico permit holders.

In 2010, Arizona legislators passed a law that granted residents the right to carry concealed weapons in public without a permit. The state's Department of Public Safety still issues such permits, which allow holders to legally enter bars and restaurants, and take advantage of reciprocity agreements from most states.

The 2010 Arizona law change also stiffened punishments for crimes committed with concealed weapons.

Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming also allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Last year, USA Today reported that 12 states are considering

While there are a few states with more liberal concealed-carry laws than New Mexico, there are a greater number with more restrictive laws.

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New Mexico certainly isn't an outlier; it's laws are similar to most other states.

Ten states are considered may-issue jurisdictions, which grants them more ability to scrutinize who receives concealed-carry permits. Of these states, California is the closest. It does not recognize New Mexico concealed-carry permits. The other states that don't are along the Pacific coast, Deep South and Northeast.

New Mexico is among a minority of states that recognizes concealed-carry permits from 19 or fewer states. New Mexico does not recognize permits from Utah. The four other bordering states' permits are recognized.

Illinois and Washington D.C. do not allow any civilian to carry concealed handguns.

If you do travel to nearby states, you might meet more concealed-carry permit holders than at home. New Mexico has the lowest ratio in the region of active adult permits to adults over 20, according to the Government Accountability Office.

James Staley may be reached at 575-541-5476. Follow him on Twitter @auguststaley